Deputy Director for Finance and Operations

12008 - Deputy Director for Finance and Operations - NIOGeneral InformationWorking PatternFull Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible WorkingVacancy ApproachExternalLocationBelfast, LondonRegionLondon, Northern IrelandClosing Date07-Dec-2025Post TypeFixed TermCivil Service GradeSCS 1Number of jobs available1Reserve List12 MonthsJob ID12008Descriptions & RequirementsJob descriptionThe roleAs Deputy Director for Finance and Operations, you will perform a vital role within the department, leading teams across the Corporate Operations Group (COG), working closely with the other Deputy Director for the groupAs the senior finance professional for the department, you will be a trusted partner supporting the Permanent Secretary in their role as Principal Accounting Officer. You will set the financial strategy for the coming years following the recent Spending Review conclusion, ensuring the department makes best use of available resources to deliver the Government's priorities.You will also oversee the IT, Estates, and Corporate Security functions, ensuring appropriate infrastructure, efficient workspace management, and security procedures are in place. Furthermore, you will oversee the Knowledge and Information Management team, ensuring the department is managing its records appropriately, responding to Freedom of Information requests promptly and complying with other regulations. This team is also responsible for the Google services used by the department, including the embedding of AI.We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our dynamic team. This is a crucial leadership role, requiring an individual who can operate at a strategic level and drive financial and operations excellence across the organisation. We are looking for a candidate who possesses a strong background in finance as well as broad leadership, communication and change skills. The role would suit someone seeking to develop the necessary skills for future Chief Operating Officer roles.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the Permanent Secretary in their role as Principal Accounting Officer, providing strong leadership for financial management, planning and partnering across the Department.Lead on financial planning and strategy, ensuring appropriate and robust forecasts are established to enable effective delivery of the department's priorities as agreed at the recent Spending Review and driving forward efficiency commitments.Be an integral part of the organisation's senior management team, forging strong relationships with strategy, policy and operational teams across the organisation ensuring the financial strategy and plans are fully aligned to the organisation's broader strategy and priorities.Attend the Departmental Management Board, Executive Committee and Audit & Risk Assurance Committee meetings, providing financial reporting, analysis and insight on key issues.Lead work on Fiscal Events and lead and manage the relationship with HM Treasury as well as overarching financial advice to Ministers on handling HMT commissions.Responsible for Departmental compliance with technical accounting and Government standards and overseeing the production of the Annual Report and AccountsOversight of the IT, estates, security and Knowledge & Information Management teams.With the other COG Deputy Director, oversee the implementation of new technology and capabilities, including the use of AI tools.In partnership with the other COG Deputy Director, continue to develop and mature the corporate capabilities to support delivery of the department's priorities and meet its legislative and regulatory responsibilities.Additional InformationAboutWe encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit:Diversity & InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.Please view our candidate information pack for full details about the role, key responsibilities person specification, and the criteria you will be assessed against throughout the recruitment process. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, and feel that you meet the criteria, we would welcome your application.Contact InformationIf you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@ Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.Job Description Attachment(SCS1) Accessible Candidate (Job Description Supporting Documents)Download | Preview | Open in a new tabClose preview(SCS1) Candidate Information Pack - (Job Description Attachment)Download | Preview | Open in a new tabClose previewSelect new fileApplication form stage assessmentsExperienceWe will assess your experience for this role via the following methodsCV or Work History, Statement of SuitabilityEvidence of ExperienceCV or Work History, Statement of SuitabilityInterview stage assessmentsInterview DatesExpected week commencing 5th January 2026BehavioursSeeing the Big PictureCommunicating and InfluencingMaking Effective DecisionsChanging and ImprovingOther AssessmentsWhich assessment methods will be used?PresentationLevel Of Security Checks RequiredSecurity Clearance (SC)Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.